Her dad had arrived soon afterwards. He was a looker, but shy. Millie had spunk, and Sharon guessed she got it from her mother. Thomas Watson was well dressed and equally nicely mannered. At first he’d wanted to take his daughter straight home, but she’d refused point blank. They’d gone back to Sharon’s flat and talked until the small hours, falling asleep as the sun came up. Sharon had put blankets over them and left the house, but now Millie and her dad joined her, and they walked around the camp together.

‘You’ve done all of this, Sharon.’ Thomas sounded overwhelmed. ‘All I can see is people together, enjoying being connected, singing, planning and working as a team. I’ve never seen anything like it. What was the estate like before? Did all these people know each other?’

‘No. No one ever talked. Everyone was too busy trying to stay away from the Cotton brothers. Now the boot’s on the other foot: they’re staying away from us!’

‘It’s truly incredible.’

‘We’d like it to be more permanent. It could be so many things: like a centre to bring people together and support each other. There’s a lot of problems here.’

‘I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner.’

‘Don’t you worry, love, you’re here now.’ She squeezed his hand.

Thomas and Millie were sitting on camping chairs drinking tea. Bacon sandwiches were handed out and they tucked in gratefully.

‘No one has mentioned seeing Jordan,’ Sharon said. Thomas had explained about seeing him on TV last night and why he knew he’d come here, and his theory about what he was likely up to. He wasn’t about to accuse his son of plotting murder, but he knew that was what Jordan wanted. He hadn’t come down here to help Sharon, or share his anguish with the community; he’d come to hunt down those responsible. Thomas had to admire his grit, but at the same time, he also knew that it was stupid. Somebody like Jordan, with his privileges and his cosseted life, couldn’t possibly hope to dupe two hardened criminals supported by a whole gang of violent thugs.

‘I have to find him.’

‘Dad, don’t leave me,’ Millie said.

‘Your mother would never forgive me if I lost both of you. And I don’t think Jordan will be found unless he wants to be.’

‘Will you report him missing?’ Sharon asked.

‘That could make it worse for him. If he’s trying to immerse himself in the world of the gangs around here, which I suspect he is, then putting his face all over the news could be like signing a death warrant.’

‘I can’t believe he’s done this.’ Millie was angry with her brother, but also terrified.